(05.05.08) [Ref. D::N Playlist #284] This Overview only covers three releases, but they are of note, hence this review synopsis. KUCI is currently hosting their 2-week Annual Fund-Drive so if you would like to support non-corporate, non-commercial and non-profit radio, call them live-and-direct at (949) UCI-KUCI or visit their website at KUCI.org from April 26th through May 10th.
Kettel is not a stranger to the experimental electronic scene, having released several albums over the years since 2001 and currently with the label he (and label mates) operate (Sending Orbs), it’s no wonder he continues to delve into unique territory; with Myam James Part 1, there are spots of Plaid-influenced melodic electro (“Church”) but a firm focus on pretty blips and bleeps round off the entire album with sincere passion. Phoenecia and Secede offer their reinterpretations of “My Dogan” and “Church” respectively; Phoenecia moving into galactic-noise with their remix and Secede doing what he does best, soundtrack-driven ambient dub with inspirational appeal. Overall, Myam James Part 1 is an upbeat album mixing elements of pure electronic glitch, soothing synth-pop flavored melodies, and guitar licks keeping the acoustic feel tied together.
Berlin’s Underscan Records have churned out EP after EP of compilations comprised of underrated electronic musicians spanning several styles. Artists such as Scanner, Funckarma, Menu:Exit, Frank Bretschneider, Fibla (and others) have engaged the label enough to (finally) release a compilation CD entitled Now comprised of select cuts collated into one unique package. Underscan have always been at the forefront in keeping the nature of pure electronic music intact from start to end; this CD compilation holds its ground by presenting the best in the multi-faceted genre that strives to innovate and recreate something special. Scanner’s “Interreum” unfolds with a vengeance once it rolls off the ground, its thundering roar of synthesized madness and shattered dark-ambience sets quite a precedent for the others to adhere to. Menu:Exit delivers “Querverweis,” a delicate dub-infected track that might aptly fit between a Pole and Monolake mix, Menu:Exit slices through rhythm heavy sonic textures and drifting swells of melody. Now collects the best electronic producers around the globe and organizes their contributions in a way that exemplifies the full spectrum and direction of forward-moving electronics as we know it.
Xsoz falls somewhere between dark-electro and post-industrial wastelands. On Basic Topology (Fich-Art, featured cover art), Xsoz not only blends machine beats with mangled noise, stripped ambient flows slither across the landscape with relative ease. “Beseech” is a prime example of this rugged formula where industrialized rhythms interfere with subtle melodies buried in the underbrush. Fans of Marching Dynamics, Mothboy, N0nplus and Hecate should take particular notice, Basic Topology is the thread that could potentially link them together if not tear them apart.
Digital::Nimbus is a weekly electronic music radio show broadcasting from KUCI 88.9 FM in the Irvine, California and surrounding areas with streaming media available at KUCI.org. For more information visit digitalnimbus.com.
